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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{FULLPAGENAME}}''}}
{{Infobox VG
{{Infobox VG
| title = Chapters of the Chosen
| title = Chapters of the Chosen
| type = Main series games
| type = Main series games
| developer = [[Chunsoft]]<br />[[Heartbeat (company)|Heartbeat]], [[ArtePiazza]] (''PS'')<br />[[ArtePiazza]], [[Cattle Call]](''NDS'')
| developer = [[Chunsoft]]<br />Heartbeat, [[ArtePiazza]] (''PS'')<br />[[ArtePiazza]], Cattle Call(''NDS'')
| publisher = [[Enix]]<br /> [[Square Enix]] (''NDS'')
| publisher = [[Enix]]<br /> [[Square Enix]] (''NDS'')
| designer = [[Yūji Horii]]
| designer = [[Yūji Horii]]
| image = [[Image:DQIV_Logo.png|center|280px]][[File:DQIV V Jump Art.png|280px]]
| image = [[Image:DQIV_Logo.png|center|310px]][[File:DQIV V Jump Art.png|310px]]
| caption =  
| caption =  
| artist = [[Akira Toriyama]]
| artist = [[Akira Toriyama]]
| composer = [[Koichi Sugiyama]]
| composer = [[Koichi Sugiyama]]
| engine =
| engine =
| released = '''Famicom'''/'''NES'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=February 11, 1990|NA=October 1992}}'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=November 22, 2001}}'''Nintendo DS'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=November 22, 2007|NA=September 16, 2008|EU=September 12, 2008|AUS=September 11, 2008}}
| released = '''Famicom'''/'''NES'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=February 11, 1990|NA=October 1992}}'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=November 22, 2001}}'''Nintendo DS'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=November 22, 2007|NA=September 16, 2008|EU=September 12, 2008|AUS=September 11, 2008}}'''Android & iOS'''<br />{{vgrelease|JP=April 17, 2014|NA=August 7, 2014}}
| genre = [[Wikipedia:Console role-playing game|Console role-playing game]]
| genre = [[Wikipedia:Console role-playing game|Console role-playing game]]
| modes = [[Wikipedia:Single-player|Single-player]]
| modes = [[Wikipedia:Single-player|Single-player]]
| ratings = {{vgratings|CERO=A (PS1, DS)|ESRB=E10+ (DS)|OFLCA=PG}}
| ratings = {{vgratings|CERO=A (PS1, DS)|ESRB=E10+ (DS)|OFLCA=PG}}
| platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], Famicom, [[Sony PlayStation]], [[Nintendo DS]]
| platforms = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], Famicom, [[Sony PlayStation]], [[Nintendo DS]], Android & iOS
| media = 4-[[Wikipedia:megabit|megabit]] NES [[Wikipedia:cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]]<br/> [[Wikipedia:Compact disc|CD]] (PS1)<br/> [[Nintendo DS#Media specifications|Nintendo DS Game Card]]
| media = 4-[[Wikipedia:megabit|megabit]] NES [[Wikipedia:cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]]<br/> [[Wikipedia:Compact disc|CD]] (PS1)<br/> [[Nintendo DS#Media specifications|Nintendo DS Game Card]]
| requirements =
| requirements =
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}}
}}


{{Translation|'''Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen'''|導かれし者たち|Doragon Kuesuto Fō Michibikareshi Monotachi|literally meaning; ''The People Who Are Shown the Way''}} is a role-playing game and the fourth instalment of the ''[[Dragon Quest (series)|Dragon Quest]]'' video game series. The game was originally released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] but was remade for the [[Sony PlayStation]] and later [[Nintendo DS]]. It begins the ''Tenkuujyou'' (''Celestial Castle'') trilogy.
{{Translation|'''Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen'''|ドラゴンクエストIV 導かれし者たち|Doragon Kuesuto Fō Michibikareshi Monotachi|literally meaning; ''The People Who Are Shown the Way''}} is a role-playing game and the fourth installment of the ''[[Dragon Quest (series)|Dragon Quest]]'' video game series. The game was originally released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], but has been remade several times for different systems. It begins the ''Tenkuu'' (''Celestial'') trilogy, known better as the ''Zenithian'' trilogy in English.


It was originally released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]] on February 11, 1990 in Japan. The North American version, titled ''Dragon Warrior IV'', was released for the NES in October 1992.
It was originally released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]] on February 11, 1990 in Japan. The North American version, titled ''Dragon Warrior IV'', was released for the NES in October 1992.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Dragon Quest IV'' had a unique way of advancing the story. It was split into five chapters. The first four chapters were told from the perspective of the hero's future companions. The fifth chapter was the hero's quest. During that quest, the player meets with and joins with the companions whose stories were told in earlier chapters. Then, with a full cast of companions, the group would begin their journey to save the world.
''Dragon Quest IV'' was unique in that its story was split into five chapters. The first four chapters were told from the perspective of the hero's future companions, telling their stories before they meet the hero. The fifth chapter was the hero's quest. During that quest, the player meets and joins up with the companions from the earlier chapters. Then, with a full cast, the group begins their journey to save the world.


The story line of ''Dragon Quest IV'' does not relate to the events of ''Dragon Quest I'', ''II'', and ''III''.
This game introduced several new features over the first three titles. It was the first Dragon Quest game to feature a casino, which became common in later titles. In addition, there were party member artificial intelligence options, which allowed players to give strategies to their party while still directly controlling the hero character. Finally, the wagon which allowed extra characters to wait and be exchanged during battle if needed.
 
''Dragon Quest IV'' introduced several new features over the first three titles; namely the new chapter-based structure of the game's plot. Also the inclusion of the, now common, casino. In addition, there were party member [[artificial intelligence]] options, which allowed players to give strategies to their party while still directly controlling the hero character. Finally, the wagon which allowed extra characters to wait and be exchanged during battle if needed.


In the fifth chapter of the NES version of the game, the player no longer directly controls any of the previous characters; instead using the Tactics menu to deliver a loose set of instructions (Normal, Defensive, Offensive, Save MP, Use No MP, Try Out). The only character directly controlled is the Hero. All chapters except chapter 2 also contain Non-Player Characters, which travel with the player, but cannot be directly controlled. They act on their own, guided by the game's AI.
In the fifth chapter of the NES version of the game, the player no longer directly controls any of the previous characters; instead using the Tactics menu to deliver a loose set of instructions (Normal, Defensive, Offensive, Save MP, Use No MP, Try Out). The only character directly controlled is the Hero. All chapters except chapter 2 also contain Non-Player Characters, which travel with the player, but cannot be directly controlled. They act on their own, guided by the game's AI.


==Plot==
==Plot==
The story in ''Dragon Quest IV'' revolves around the  journey of the hero and his/her companions and their quest to prevent the resurrection of the ruler of evil, [[Estark]].  The first four chapters of the story are about the hero's companions and their own journeys.  While they each travel with their own goals and dreams in mind, they all eventually find out about [[Psaro]] and his plot to kill the hero and revive [[Estark]], leading them all to join forces so they can put a stop to [[Psaro]] and his plans.
The story line of ''Dragon Quest IV'' was the first in the series to be unrelated to the events of ''Dragon Quest I'', ''II'', and ''III''. The story in ''Dragon Quest IV'' revolves around the  journey of the hero and his/her companions and their quest to prevent the resurrection of the ruler of evil, [[Estark]].  The first four chapters of the story are about the hero's companions and their own journeys.  While they each travel with their own goals and dreams in mind, they all eventually find out about [[Psaro]] and his plot to kill the hero and revive [[Estark]], leading them all to join forces so they can put a stop to [[Psaro]] and his plans.


===Prologue===
===Prologue===
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Prologue|Prologue]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Prologue|Prologue]]''


[[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|The Hero]] finishes up a routine training of swordfighting and before heading home, encounters what appears to be a [[Eliza|talking frog]].  This portion of the story was introduced in the Playstation verison, and used in the Nintendo DS version as well.
We are introduced to [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|The Hero]] and his/her friend [[Eliza]].  This portion of the story was introduced in the PlayStation version, and became standard in later remakes.


===Chapter 1===  
===Chapter 1===  
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 1| Chapter 1]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 1| Chapter 1]]''


[[Ragnar McRyan]] (ライアン, simply Ragnar in the NES localization), one of the soldiers in the royal palace of [[Burland]], is sent by the king on a journey to find out why children are disappearing across the kingdom.  
[[Ragnar McRyan]], one of the soldiers in the royal palace of [[Burland]], is sent by the king on a journey to find out why children are disappearing across the kingdom.  


===Chapter 2===
===Chapter 2===
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 2| Chapter 2]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 2| Chapter 2]]''


[[Alena]] (アリーナ), princess (Tsarevna in the Nintendo DS localization) of [[Zamoksva]], who slips out of the castle in hopes of seeing the world that exists beyond the castle walls. She is accompanied by the priest [[Kiryl]] (クリフト) and the mage [[Borya]] (ブライ).
[[Alena]], princess (Tsarevna in the Nintendo DS localization) of [[Zamoksva]], who slips out of the castle in hopes of seeing the world that exists beyond the castle walls. She is accompanied by the priest [[Kiryl]] and the mage [[Borya]].


===Chapter 3===
===Chapter 3===
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 3| Chapter 3]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 3| Chapter 3]]''


[[Torneko Taloon]] (トルネコ, simply Taloon in the NES localisation) lives in [[Lakanaba]] with his wife and son, and works part-time in the local weapon shop. He aims to become the best merchant in the world, and begins his chapter in search of a regional treasure that could help him accomplish his goal.
[[Torneko Taloon]] lives in [[Lakanaba]] with his wife and son, and works part-time in the local weapon shop. He aims to become the best merchant in the world, and begins his chapter in search of a regional treasure that could help him accomplish his goal.


===Chapter 4===
===Chapter 4===
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 4| Chapter 4]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 4| Chapter 4]]''


[[Maya]] (マーニャ, Mara in the NES localization) the dancer and her younger sister [[Meena]] (ミネア, Nara in the NES localization), the fortune teller, have left [[Laissez Fayre]] in search of vengeance against [[Balzack]], their father's traitorous apprentice.
[[Maya]] the dancer and her younger sister [[Meena]], the fortune teller, have left [[Laissez Fayre]] in search of vengeance against [[Balzack]], their father's traitorous apprentice.


===Chapter 5===
===Chapter 5===
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 5| Chapter 5]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 5| Chapter 5]]''


The [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|Hero]] has been brought up by the inhabitants of a remote and nameless mountain village. But [[Psaro]] and his legions destroy the village, leaving only the hidden hero alive. The hero leaves in search of his seven companions, in the hopes of defeating Psaro and saving the world.
The [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|Hero]] has been brought up by the inhabitants of a remote and nameless mountain village. But [[Psaro]] and his legions destroy the village, leaving only the hidden hero alive. The hero leaves in search of his seven companions, in the hopes of defeating Psaro and saving the world.


===Chapter 6===
===Chapter 6===
:''Main article:[[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 6| Chapter 6]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon Quest IV Chapter 6| Chapter 6]]''


Chapter 6 is a post-epilogue continuation of the game's storyline. Originally appearing in the PlayStation remake of ''Dragon Quest IV'' (and the subsequent DS port), Chapter 6 offers a lengthy bonus dungeon, and the culmination of certain plot points that were left ambiguous  in the original release.
Chapter 6 is a post-epilogue continuation of the game's storyline. Originally appearing in the PlayStation remake of ''Dragon Quest IV'', Chapter 6 offers a lengthy bonus dungeon, and the culmination of certain plot points that were left ambiguous  in the original release.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
[[File:DQIV_Group.png|right|thumb|The characters of ''Dragon Quest IV''. From left to right: [[Kiryl]], [[Ragnar]], [[Alena]], the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|Hero]] (male and female), [[Borya]], [[Maya]], [[Meena]], and [[Torneko]]. |380px]]
===Remakes===
===Remakes===
[[File:DQIV_Group.png|right|border|400px]]
''Dragon Quest IV'' was remade for the [[Sony PlayStation]] on November 22, 2001 in Japan. It was developed by Heartbeat and published by Enix. The remake was developed using ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'' 's 3D graphics engine. With this remake came new features; among them were a new chapter, a new character, a boom town reminiscent of ''VII'''s, an inter-party talk command similar to ''Dragon Quest VII'', and the ability to turn off the artificial intelligence for party members. The Enix of America Corporation originally planned to bring the remake to North America in 2002, but it was later cancelled due to Heartbeat closing its video game development operations.
''Dragon Quest IV'' was remade for the [[Sony PlayStation]] on November 22, 2001 in Japan. It was developed by Heartbeat and published by Enix. The remake was developed using ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'' 's 3D graphics engine, but was still ''Dragon Quest IV''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s story and world. With this remake came new features; among them were a new chapter, a new character, a boom town reminiscent of ''VII'''s, an inter-party talk command similar to ''Dragon Quest VII'', and the ability to turn off the artificial intelligence for party members. The Enix of America Corporation originally planned to bring the remake to North America in 2002, but it was later cancelled due to Heartbeat closing its video game development operations.


On November 22, 2007, this Playstation remake was ported to the Nintendo DS. No significant changes were made to the game's story, gameplay, or bonus features, aside from modifying the boom town's immigration aspects to reflect the lack of memory cards in the DS hardware and the calculation method for [[Alena]]'s [[Critical Hit]]s. This portable version was released internationally in September of 2008, though without the party chart present in the Japanese release.
On November 22, 2007, this Playstation remake was ported to the Nintendo DS. No significant changes were made to the game's story, gameplay, or bonus features, aside from modifying the boom town's immigration aspects to reflect the lack of memory cards in the DS hardware and the calculation method for [[Alena]]'s [[Critical Hit]]s. The [[Fungeon (Dragon Quest IV)|Fungeon]] ([[bonus dungeon]]) changed it's layout to random locations for each floors whereas the Playstation Version was a mix of previous areas from the game and from ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]''.  This portable version was released internationally in September of 2008, though without the party chart present in the Japanese release.


On April 7, 2014, the Playstation remake was ported to iOS and Android compatible devices. This version features significantly sharper graphics than before, as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack. No significant gameplay changes were made aside from yet another tweaking of the Tsarevna's critical hit ratio. This version was released world wide on August 7, 2014, and most importantly restored the long-lost party chat to much critical acclaim.
On April 7, 2014, the Playstation remake was ported to iOS and Android compatible devices. This version features significantly sharper graphics than before, as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack. No significant gameplay changes were made aside from yet another tweaking of the Tsarevna's critical hit ratio. The bonus dungeon layout from the DS port was retained.  This version was released world wide on August 7, 2014, and most importantly restored the long-lost party chat to much critical acclaim.


===Sequels===
===Sequels===
''Dragon Quest IV'' is the fourth game in the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series. The next game in the series is ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'', which has some references to ''Dragon Quest IV'', but is mostly an independent story.
''Dragon Quest IV'' is the fourth game in the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series. The next game in the series is ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'', which has some references to ''Dragon Quest IV'', but is mostly an independent story. It continues the new trilogy started by IV.


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
[[File:Monster Battle Victory DQ IV group.png|right|border|450px]]
[[Koichi Sugiyama]] composed the music and directed all the associated spin-offs. This is the track listing of the Symphonic Suite:
[[Koichi Sugiyama]] composed the music and directed all the associated spin-offs. This is the track listing of the Symphonic Suite:
# ''[[Overture]]'' (1:55)
# ''[[Overture]]'' (1:55)
Line 101: Line 101:
==Version Differences==
==Version Differences==
===PlayStation and DS===
===PlayStation and DS===
*Both the [[Sony PlayStation]] and [[Nintendo DS]] versions have a ''Prologue'' chapter to introduce the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|hero]] before chapter one begins, as well as a 6th chapter with a bonus dungeon and alternate ending.  There is also a new Tactics feature to manually control your party in chapter 5.  The Playstation version uses the graphics engine from ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'' and the [[Nintendo DS]] remake uses nearly the same style, with some minor compression to account for the handheld's screen size.
[[File:Dragon Quest IV characters.png|right|thumb|The characters of ''Dragon Quest IV''|350px]]
*Both the [[Sony PlayStation]] and [[Nintendo DS]] versions have a ''Prologue'' chapter to introduce the [[Hero (Dragon Quest IV)|hero]] before chapter one begins, as well as a 6th chapter with a bonus dungeon and alternate ending.  There is also a new Tactics feature to manually control your party in chapter 5.  The PlayStation version uses the graphics engine from ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'' and the [[Nintendo DS]] remake uses nearly the same style, with some minor compression to account for the handheld's screen size.


*An [[Immigrant Town (Dragon Quest IV)|Immigrant Town]] was added, similar to [[Sim's Town]] in ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]''. It is located in place of the [[Desert Bazaar]] (which in the NES version served no purpose in Chapter 5). It is run by [[Hank Hoffman Jr.]] (who remains in the Inn at [[Mintos]] in the NES Version).
*An [[Immigrant Town (Dragon Quest IV)|Immigrant Town]] was added, similar to [[Immigrant Town (Dragon Quest VII)|the town]] in ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]''. It is located in place of the [[Desert Bazaar]] (which in the NES version served no purpose in Chapter 5). It is run by [[Hank Hoffman Jr.]] (who remains in the Inn at [[Mintos]] in the NES Version).


*A new dungeon was added in the "after-game", along with a new [[Zoom]] point within. Completing this dungeon a certain number of times grants access to get Psaro's equipment and causes a separate Psaro, a naked and gender-confused man, to appear in the Immigrant Town.
*A new dungeon was added in the "after-game", along with a new [[Zoom]] point within. Completing this dungeon a certain number of times grants access to get Psaro's equipment and causes a separate Psaro, a naked and gender-confused man, to appear in the Immigrant Town.


*In the NES Version, Hank Hoffman Jr. leaves the party after [[Alena]] and her companions join. In the Playstation and DS Version, he leaves immediately upon entering Mintos.
*In the NES Version, Hank Hoffman Jr. leaves the party after [[Alena]] and her companions join. In the PlayStation and DS Version, he leaves immediately upon entering Mintos.


*The first floor of the [[Imperial Pantry of Parthenia]] has a [[Thief's Key]] door blocking off the rest of the cave. To get it opened, [[Borya]] has to be recruited, which triggers a scene where Alena kicks the door down despite having the key. The NES version of the cave lacks the door and can be completed without recruiting Borya.
*The first floor of the [[Imperial Pantry of Parthenia]] has a [[Thief's Key]] door blocking off the rest of the cave. To get it opened, [[Borya]] has to be recruited, which triggers a scene where Alena kicks the door down despite having the key. The NES version of the cave lacks the door and can be completed without recruiting Borya.
 
[[File:DQ4-DS-OVERWORLD-SCREENSHOT.jpg|250px|thumb|Exploring the world in the DS version of ''Dragon Quest IV'']]
*While still uncontrollable during combat, Healing Spells known by [[Healie]], [[Laurel]] and [[Orifiela]] can be used manually out of battle.
*While still uncontrollable during combat, Healing Spells known by [[Healie]], [[Laurel]] and [[Orifiela]] can be used manually out of battle.


*The PS and DS Version include The [[Bag]] for unlimited item storage.
*The PS and DS version include The [[Bag]] for unlimited item storage.


*In the PS and DS Version, only [[Eliza]] and [[Float-o-copier]]s can use the [[Morph]] Spell, whereas in the NES Version, the Hero could also learn it.
*In the PS and DS version, only [[Eliza]] and [[Float-o-copier]]s can use the [[Morph]] Spell, whereas in the NES Version, the Hero could also learn it.


*In the Nintendo Version, [[Marquis de Léon]] dies after his defeat, whereas in the remakes, he reverts to his human form and forgets his time as a monster.
*In the Nintendo Version, [[Marquis de Léon]] dies after his defeat, whereas in the remakes, he reverts to his human form and forgets his time as a monster.
Line 132: Line 133:


*[[Liquid metal armour]] now costs 35,000 Gold Coins, as opposed to the 15,000 in the NES Version.
*[[Liquid metal armour]] now costs 35,000 Gold Coins, as opposed to the 15,000 in the NES Version.
===See also===
*[[List of Name Changes in the Zenithia Trilogy#Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen|Name Changes in the Zenithia Trilogy]]


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
===Title Screens===
<center>
{{ScreenshotGallery/Start}}
{{ScreenshotGallery/Item|image=[[File:DQ4-NDS-TITLESCREEN.png]]|game={{DQ4}}|platform=Nintendo DS}}
{{ScreenshotGallery/End}}
</center>
===Box art===
<center><gallery>
Image:DQIV_Famicom.png|Original artwork of the Famicom release
Image:DQIV_Famicom.png|Original artwork of the Famicom release
Image:Dragon_Warrior_IV_NES.png|NES box art
Image:Dragon_Warrior_IV_NES.png|NES box art
File:DQIV PS Box Art.png|PlayStation box art
Image:DQIV_DS_Box.png|Nintendo DS box art
Image:DQIV_DS_Box.png|Nintendo DS box art
</gallery></center>
==='''Miscellaneous'''===
<center><gallery>
File:Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest IV.png|Symphonic Suite
File:DQIV Famicom guide.png|Famicom guide
Image:DQIVCast.png|Cast
Image:DQIVCast.png|Cast
File:DQIVPSArt.png|PlayStation art
Image:DQIV_Cast battling monsters.png|
File:DQIV Into The Fray.png|
Image:DQIV Camping.png|
Image:DQIV_Group_cheering.png|
Image:DQIVCharacters.png
Image:DQIVCharacters.png
File:DQIV Random Encounter.png|
Image:DQIV CD Theater 1.png|CD Theater
Image:DQIV CD Theater 2.png|CD Theater
Image:DQIV CD Theater 3.png|CD Theater
File:DQIV Legend in the Dark.png|"Legend in the Dark" novel
File:DQIV Legend in the Dark.png|"Legend in the Dark" novel
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 1.png|4koma comics
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 1.png|4koma comics
Line 148: Line 172:
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 5.png|4koma comics
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 5.png|4koma comics
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 6.png|4koma comics
File:DQ 4koma Gekijou 6.png|4koma comics
</gallery>
File:DQIV V Jump guide.png|PlayStation guide
File:DQIVPSArt.png|PlayStation art
File:DQIV PS Group.jpg|PlayStation group
File:DQIV iOS Android.png|iOS/Android
File:DQTCG DQIV Bosses card sleeve.jpg|"Bosses" Trading Card Game sleeve
</gallery></center>


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:PlayStation games]]
[[Category:PlayStation games]]
[[Category:Android/iOS games]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragon Quest 04}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragon Quest 04}}

Revision as of 14:34, 9 January 2018


Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (ドラゴンクエストIV 導かれし者たち Doragon Kuesuto Fō Michibikareshi Monotachi, literally meaning; The People Who Are Shown the Way) is a role-playing game and the fourth installment of the Dragon Quest video game series. The game was originally released for the NES, but has been remade several times for different systems. It begins the Tenkuu (Celestial) trilogy, known better as the Zenithian trilogy in English.

It was originally released for the Famicom on February 11, 1990 in Japan. The North American version, titled Dragon Warrior IV, was released for the NES in October 1992.

Gameplay

Dragon Quest IV was unique in that its story was split into five chapters. The first four chapters were told from the perspective of the hero's future companions, telling their stories before they meet the hero. The fifth chapter was the hero's quest. During that quest, the player meets and joins up with the companions from the earlier chapters. Then, with a full cast, the group begins their journey to save the world.

This game introduced several new features over the first three titles. It was the first Dragon Quest game to feature a casino, which became common in later titles. In addition, there were party member artificial intelligence options, which allowed players to give strategies to their party while still directly controlling the hero character. Finally, the wagon which allowed extra characters to wait and be exchanged during battle if needed.

In the fifth chapter of the NES version of the game, the player no longer directly controls any of the previous characters; instead using the Tactics menu to deliver a loose set of instructions (Normal, Defensive, Offensive, Save MP, Use No MP, Try Out). The only character directly controlled is the Hero. All chapters except chapter 2 also contain Non-Player Characters, which travel with the player, but cannot be directly controlled. They act on their own, guided by the game's AI.

Plot

The story line of Dragon Quest IV was the first in the series to be unrelated to the events of Dragon Quest I, II, and III. The story in Dragon Quest IV revolves around the journey of the hero and his/her companions and their quest to prevent the resurrection of the ruler of evil, Estark. The first four chapters of the story are about the hero's companions and their own journeys. While they each travel with their own goals and dreams in mind, they all eventually find out about Psaro and his plot to kill the hero and revive Estark, leading them all to join forces so they can put a stop to Psaro and his plans.

Prologue

Main article: Prologue

We are introduced to The Hero and his/her friend Eliza. This portion of the story was introduced in the PlayStation version, and became standard in later remakes.

Chapter 1

Main article: Chapter 1

Ragnar McRyan, one of the soldiers in the royal palace of Burland, is sent by the king on a journey to find out why children are disappearing across the kingdom.

Chapter 2

Main article: Chapter 2

Alena, princess (Tsarevna in the Nintendo DS localization) of Zamoksva, who slips out of the castle in hopes of seeing the world that exists beyond the castle walls. She is accompanied by the priest Kiryl and the mage Borya.

Chapter 3

Main article: Chapter 3

Torneko Taloon lives in Lakanaba with his wife and son, and works part-time in the local weapon shop. He aims to become the best merchant in the world, and begins his chapter in search of a regional treasure that could help him accomplish his goal.

Chapter 4

Main article: Chapter 4

Maya the dancer and her younger sister Meena, the fortune teller, have left Laissez Fayre in search of vengeance against Balzack, their father's traitorous apprentice.

Chapter 5

Main article: Chapter 5

The Hero has been brought up by the inhabitants of a remote and nameless mountain village. But Psaro and his legions destroy the village, leaving only the hidden hero alive. The hero leaves in search of his seven companions, in the hopes of defeating Psaro and saving the world.

Chapter 6

Main article: Chapter 6

Chapter 6 is a post-epilogue continuation of the game's storyline. Originally appearing in the PlayStation remake of Dragon Quest IV, Chapter 6 offers a lengthy bonus dungeon, and the culmination of certain plot points that were left ambiguous in the original release.

Legacy

The characters of Dragon Quest IV. From left to right: Kiryl, Ragnar, Alena, the Hero (male and female), Borya, Maya, Meena, and Torneko.

Remakes

Dragon Quest IV was remade for the Sony PlayStation on November 22, 2001 in Japan. It was developed by Heartbeat and published by Enix. The remake was developed using Dragon Quest VII 's 3D graphics engine. With this remake came new features; among them were a new chapter, a new character, a boom town reminiscent of VII's, an inter-party talk command similar to Dragon Quest VII, and the ability to turn off the artificial intelligence for party members. The Enix of America Corporation originally planned to bring the remake to North America in 2002, but it was later cancelled due to Heartbeat closing its video game development operations.

On November 22, 2007, this Playstation remake was ported to the Nintendo DS. No significant changes were made to the game's story, gameplay, or bonus features, aside from modifying the boom town's immigration aspects to reflect the lack of memory cards in the DS hardware and the calculation method for Alena's Critical Hits. The Fungeon (bonus dungeon) changed it's layout to random locations for each floors whereas the Playstation Version was a mix of previous areas from the game and from Dragon Quest VII. This portable version was released internationally in September of 2008, though without the party chart present in the Japanese release.

On April 7, 2014, the Playstation remake was ported to iOS and Android compatible devices. This version features significantly sharper graphics than before, as well as a fully orchestrated soundtrack. No significant gameplay changes were made aside from yet another tweaking of the Tsarevna's critical hit ratio. The bonus dungeon layout from the DS port was retained. This version was released world wide on August 7, 2014, and most importantly restored the long-lost party chat to much critical acclaim.

Sequels

Dragon Quest IV is the fourth game in the Dragon Quest series. The next game in the series is Dragon Quest V, which has some references to Dragon Quest IV, but is mostly an independent story. It continues the new trilogy started by IV.

Soundtrack

Monster Battle Victory DQ IV group.png

Koichi Sugiyama composed the music and directed all the associated spin-offs. This is the track listing of the Symphonic Suite:

  1. Overture (1:55)
  2. Minuet (3:07)
  3. Comrades (10:28)
  4. In a Town (8:16)
  5. Homeland ~ Wagon Wheels' March (5:58)
  6. Frightening Dungeons ~ Cursed Towers (5:19)
  7. Elegy ~ Mysterious Shrine (5:03)
  8. Balloon's Flight (4:32)
  9. Sea Breeze (4:31)
  10. The Unknown Castle (4:37)
  11. Battle for the Glory (7:51)
  12. The End (5:12)

Version Differences

PlayStation and DS

The characters of Dragon Quest IV
  • Both the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo DS versions have a Prologue chapter to introduce the hero before chapter one begins, as well as a 6th chapter with a bonus dungeon and alternate ending. There is also a new Tactics feature to manually control your party in chapter 5. The PlayStation version uses the graphics engine from Dragon Quest VII and the Nintendo DS remake uses nearly the same style, with some minor compression to account for the handheld's screen size.
  • A new dungeon was added in the "after-game", along with a new Zoom point within. Completing this dungeon a certain number of times grants access to get Psaro's equipment and causes a separate Psaro, a naked and gender-confused man, to appear in the Immigrant Town.
  • In the NES Version, Hank Hoffman Jr. leaves the party after Alena and her companions join. In the PlayStation and DS Version, he leaves immediately upon entering Mintos.
  • The first floor of the Imperial Pantry of Parthenia has a Thief's Key door blocking off the rest of the cave. To get it opened, Borya has to be recruited, which triggers a scene where Alena kicks the door down despite having the key. The NES version of the cave lacks the door and can be completed without recruiting Borya.
Exploring the world in the DS version of Dragon Quest IV
  • While still uncontrollable during combat, Healing Spells known by Healie, Laurel and Orifiela can be used manually out of battle.
  • The PS and DS version include The Bag for unlimited item storage.
  • In the PS and DS version, only Eliza and Float-o-copiers can use the Morph Spell, whereas in the NES Version, the Hero could also learn it.
  • In the Nintendo Version, Marquis de Léon dies after his defeat, whereas in the remakes, he reverts to his human form and forgets his time as a monster.
  • In the remakes, the player no longer loses Gold Coins after being defeated by Marquis de Léon in Chapter 4.

See also

Gallery

Title Screens

Box art

Miscellaneous

External links